It’s time for your annual how-not-to-get-ripped-off-at-the-holidays pep talk from the Watchdog.

Regular readers of my column have heard much of this advice before, but it’s worth repeating. This is the time of year when we are super-susceptible because of our zeal to get a deal and because there’s so much commotion. You’ll only add to your stress if you let down your guard and make a purchase you regret, or take advantage of a special offer that will take advantage of you in the long run.

Scam ads: Watch for emails and social media posts offering the hottest gifts at unheard-of prices. Clicking on links may take you to websites that appear to be official but really are an impostors set up to take orders that never will be delivered.

This falls into the category of if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Savvy shoppers know roughly how much an item should cost. The price may vary slightly from store to store, but an offer that’s substantially lower than the rest should be viewed with caution.

If the offer comes from a store or online merchant you’ve never heard of, that’s yet another concern. Check out the business through online reviews written by other customers and through resources such as the Better Business Bureau. If you can’t find any information about the business, steer clear. Instead of following a link in an email or Facebook post, go directly to the store’s website and look for the same offer there.

Scam emails: Some stores will email you a receipt for your purchase. Cons have caught on and try to trick you with emails “confirming” purchases you don’t recognize. That’s because you didn’t make them. They’re counting on you to lose track of everything you bought, and to click on an attachment or link for details. Doing so can infect your computer or wireless phone with malware that will steal your information.

You can avoid this by making a list of your purchases.

Also ignore emails claiming there was a problem with a package delivery and asking you to open an attachment to see an invoice or tracking receipt. The attachment contains malware. This is a long-running fraud that is especially dangerous around the holidays because many people are sending and receiving packages.

If you believe there could be a problem with a delivery, contact the shipper directly, or use the tracking system on its website. Many offer a service that notifies you in advance when you are scheduled to receive a package.

Gift cards: It’s been a tough year for retailers, which can be bad news for customers stuck holding gift cards for stores that have gone out of business or closed local locations.

Keep that in mind if you’ll be stuffing stockings with gift cards. Choose wisely, because there’s always a chance that your recipient won’t be able to use your gift if they don’t act fast enough. Some of the most recognized names in retail closed stores this year including J.C. Penney, Macy’s, Sears, Kmart, The Limited, Payless ShoeSource, Wet Seal, Abercrombie & Fitch, Gymboree, Bebe, Guess and Staples.

Bon-Ton is in trouble, too, announcing recently that it will be closing at least 40 stores next year. It hasn’t identified those locations.

If you buy a gift card, make sure to get a receipt indicating its value and verifying it has been activated. I heard from a woman not long ago who had problems with several cards she purchased either not being activated or having no funds.

Store credit cards: If you’re tempted to sign up for a store’s credit card because you were offered a discount or deferred interest, make sure you understand what you are getting into. The card may seem like a wise choice at the time but if you don’t pay off the balance before the deferred-interest period ends, you could spend the rest of the year being haunted by the ghost of Christmas past.

Even if you’ve paid off most of the balance, you could retroactively be charged interest on your original purchase amount. The same penalty could apply if you miss a payment.

Store credit cards can carry hefty interest rates, too.

Return policies: Before making a major purchase, know whether it can be returned if the recipient doesn’t like it. Pennsylvania does not have a law requiring merchants to accept returns, but most stores do because it keeps customers happy. If an item doesn't work, that’s another story. Stores should take it back, though some may refer you to the manufacturer. If the seller gives you a hard time and you bought the item with a credit card, you can dispute the purchase through your card issuer.

Some stores will accept returns without a receipt. Some won’t. So save your paperwork. You’ll also need that paperwork to file a warranty claim with the manufacturer if there is a problem later.